From the Crochet Fiend....
Interested in commissioning me to make you a blanket or another crocheted goodie? We can talk. I've only recently started opening myself up to the possibility of doing commissions within the fandom. I love to share my love of crocheting with others, but I've always just done when the need/want arose. So, I've been thinking for a while and here's what I have.
First, things first. This is my passion, my art. I love making crocheted goodness for people. I sometimes love doing new designs (when it works out). I can usually be very friendly, but some things have to be firm, or I will end up paying more yarn bills than car payments. :D If you decide you want an Amber Original, keep in mind a few things.
For Blankets
1. Blankets are Medium to Large projects. It may take me a while to do one for you if I have others to do. Just ask those f-list who have received/commissioned one (or two)from me. I can tell you all I want about them, but then, I'm trying to sell the product. :D Click the crochet tag to see what people have said about their blankets. You don't have to take MY word for it.
2. I am not an artist in the sense that I just draw it out and do it. I try to design something within my meager abilities and within the feasibility of graphing it for my charts. Complex designs can be pretty difficult. It doesn't mean I won't try. *wibbles a bit*
3. As for pricing, I have standard prices in mind, but depending on the amount of yarn I have to buy...and number of colors, that can change. If I have to buy 10 different colors, but only use half of each of them, that's going to be more expensive than buying 5 skeins of one color. I try to buy exactly what is needed. But yarn can be tricky in its dye lots and availability, so I may have to over buy a bit.
4. Speaking of yarn, I tend to use Red Heart or Caron Simply Soft because that's what I can get here, without going on the internet, in the most variety of colors. Acrylic yarn is also what is recommended for blankets. Making a blanket with say chenille yarn, looks good, feels soft, but not only costs THREE TIMES the acrylic price per skein, but there is also less of it, so would have to buy LOTS more yarn. Further, if I have to buy on the 'net, it takes more time for that....and costs more, but if you are willing to pay and wait, fine. Think before you decide.
5. Prices! I could list a bunch of random prices here, but I've discovered that doing that JUST doesn't work. Really. I do have base prices, but sometimes small fees have to be added. If I need to make some kind of design, but it's just not something I am going to use again (my f-list knows about this one), I charge a small designing fee for it. If I already have designed something and you just want your own version of it, it's just residual stuff. Still interested? Email me at harrypotter5freak [at] yahoo [dot] com .
6. (Updated 11/24/06) Paying for your commission. Commissions must be paid for in full, upfront. Unlike commissioning pics or stories, I have to purchase new materials every time I do a project. I spend a LOT of time and effort on each project, though it doesn't seem like I do. But I don't want to spend my time making a personalized blanket only to have a non-payment or to have someone change their mind halfway through. And because usually the blankets I make ARE so personal, I can't just turn around and sell it to the first person offering a reasonable price. I am stuck with it... However, once I am commissioned and paid, I am committed to doing your work. Payment won't be expected until I am ready to start on your project, so I won't be keeping your money for months while you are waiting. So, if you change your mind, it is probably better to do it BEFORE you send the money.
7. Basic size ideas... Blankets like the House Unity Blanket, Weasley Is My King, Lumos, and Potions Master are considered smallish (Lap size, baby blanket size, I think 34" by 32"). The "house" blankets are about 6 feet tall and 3.5 feet across, come in house colors, and can be personalized at the top (restrictions apply, email me). And last, but not least, the Cannons blanket. That Orange Monster is a BIG boy (6'2" x 4'). I can also do some NON-HP things...*gasp* Email me about it.
8. Timing. I will try to keep an ongoing list of what I am working on at the moment so you can somewhat estimate how long it will take me to be get to an anticipated commission. I actually make a timeline for myself to work on blankets, complete with how many rows I have to finish daily. I may have a little wiggle room for another commission at that time. But PLEASE! DO NOT EMAIL ME A DEADLINE OF A WEEK AND ASK FOR A BLANKET. It makes me cranky, especially when I have other commissions or personal deadlines. I can't necessarily stop working on other commissions or my own gifts because of a rush request. It leads to sleepless nights and messed up crocheting.
9. However, just because I have a bunch of my own projects on the list, it doesn't mean that I won't take them. This is for my own benefit. I just like to know what I am doing, or I will forget what I wanted to do!
10. If commissioned, I will send you progress pics as I work on it so that you are fully updated on your request.
For smaller projects:
1. What else do I make besides blankets? I'm always trying out new things...(check the crochet tag)...but I have a few things that I make regularly...
a. Gauntlets/fingerless glove thingies
b. Skullcaps
c. Scarves
d. Bags
e. Other things
2. Most of the above items can be personalized in some way. Want Chudley Cannons gauntlets that are more black than orange? Want the old-style house scarf? Want a Best Mates bag? Let me know. I will tell you what I can fit into the parameters of the project...
3. I hear you do trades...is that true? Well, if you have something I want, then yes...I do trades. But keep in mind...sometimes I just want money... :D (couldn't resist a smartass comment)...
Patterns: (here's where I get touchy)
1. Most of my patterns are MINE. I've designed them from scratch and I use them and test them myself. Those that aren't mine are not mine to give. And because they are mine, I get to use them as often as I like...but if I'm doing something special for someone, it's likely I won't just do it again. But if I want to use bits and pieces that worked well, I just might.
2. I do all my patterning longhand on graph paper with a pencil. Therefore, they are NOT on computer in easy to send files.
3. I am territorial. I made them, they are mine. I don't have a lot that I can claim artistically, but this I do. Think of it as a commission to myself. They are my templates. If I give them up to just everyone, I not only reduce my chances for possible commissions, I also give up my control on my patterns.
I am fully aware how harsh and unfriendly this sounds, and I almost wish I could apologize for my stinginess. But alas, I am not going to share my patterns anytime soon. Sorry.
Alrighty, then...
Current list of projects
Working on a list of blankets...
First, things first. This is my passion, my art. I love making crocheted goodness for people. I sometimes love doing new designs (when it works out). I can usually be very friendly, but some things have to be firm, or I will end up paying more yarn bills than car payments. :D If you decide you want an Amber Original, keep in mind a few things.
For Blankets
1. Blankets are Medium to Large projects. It may take me a while to do one for you if I have others to do. Just ask those f-list who have received/commissioned one (or two)from me. I can tell you all I want about them, but then, I'm trying to sell the product. :D Click the crochet tag to see what people have said about their blankets. You don't have to take MY word for it.
2. I am not an artist in the sense that I just draw it out and do it. I try to design something within my meager abilities and within the feasibility of graphing it for my charts. Complex designs can be pretty difficult. It doesn't mean I won't try. *wibbles a bit*
3. As for pricing, I have standard prices in mind, but depending on the amount of yarn I have to buy...and number of colors, that can change. If I have to buy 10 different colors, but only use half of each of them, that's going to be more expensive than buying 5 skeins of one color. I try to buy exactly what is needed. But yarn can be tricky in its dye lots and availability, so I may have to over buy a bit.
4. Speaking of yarn, I tend to use Red Heart or Caron Simply Soft because that's what I can get here, without going on the internet, in the most variety of colors. Acrylic yarn is also what is recommended for blankets. Making a blanket with say chenille yarn, looks good, feels soft, but not only costs THREE TIMES the acrylic price per skein, but there is also less of it, so would have to buy LOTS more yarn. Further, if I have to buy on the 'net, it takes more time for that....and costs more, but if you are willing to pay and wait, fine. Think before you decide.
5. Prices! I could list a bunch of random prices here, but I've discovered that doing that JUST doesn't work. Really. I do have base prices, but sometimes small fees have to be added. If I need to make some kind of design, but it's just not something I am going to use again (my f-list knows about this one), I charge a small designing fee for it. If I already have designed something and you just want your own version of it, it's just residual stuff. Still interested? Email me at harrypotter5freak [at] yahoo [dot] com .
6. (Updated 11/24/06) Paying for your commission. Commissions must be paid for in full, upfront. Unlike commissioning pics or stories, I have to purchase new materials every time I do a project. I spend a LOT of time and effort on each project, though it doesn't seem like I do. But I don't want to spend my time making a personalized blanket only to have a non-payment or to have someone change their mind halfway through. And because usually the blankets I make ARE so personal, I can't just turn around and sell it to the first person offering a reasonable price. I am stuck with it... However, once I am commissioned and paid, I am committed to doing your work. Payment won't be expected until I am ready to start on your project, so I won't be keeping your money for months while you are waiting. So, if you change your mind, it is probably better to do it BEFORE you send the money.
7. Basic size ideas... Blankets like the House Unity Blanket, Weasley Is My King, Lumos, and Potions Master are considered smallish (Lap size, baby blanket size, I think 34" by 32"). The "house" blankets are about 6 feet tall and 3.5 feet across, come in house colors, and can be personalized at the top (restrictions apply, email me). And last, but not least, the Cannons blanket. That Orange Monster is a BIG boy (6'2" x 4'). I can also do some NON-HP things...*gasp* Email me about it.
8. Timing. I will try to keep an ongoing list of what I am working on at the moment so you can somewhat estimate how long it will take me to be get to an anticipated commission. I actually make a timeline for myself to work on blankets, complete with how many rows I have to finish daily. I may have a little wiggle room for another commission at that time. But PLEASE! DO NOT EMAIL ME A DEADLINE OF A WEEK AND ASK FOR A BLANKET. It makes me cranky, especially when I have other commissions or personal deadlines. I can't necessarily stop working on other commissions or my own gifts because of a rush request. It leads to sleepless nights and messed up crocheting.
9. However, just because I have a bunch of my own projects on the list, it doesn't mean that I won't take them. This is for my own benefit. I just like to know what I am doing, or I will forget what I wanted to do!
10. If commissioned, I will send you progress pics as I work on it so that you are fully updated on your request.
For smaller projects:
1. What else do I make besides blankets? I'm always trying out new things...(check the crochet tag)...but I have a few things that I make regularly...
a. Gauntlets/fingerless glove thingies
b. Skullcaps
c. Scarves
d. Bags
e. Other things
2. Most of the above items can be personalized in some way. Want Chudley Cannons gauntlets that are more black than orange? Want the old-style house scarf? Want a Best Mates bag? Let me know. I will tell you what I can fit into the parameters of the project...
3. I hear you do trades...is that true? Well, if you have something I want, then yes...I do trades. But keep in mind...sometimes I just want money... :D (couldn't resist a smartass comment)...
Patterns: (here's where I get touchy)
1. Most of my patterns are MINE. I've designed them from scratch and I use them and test them myself. Those that aren't mine are not mine to give. And because they are mine, I get to use them as often as I like...but if I'm doing something special for someone, it's likely I won't just do it again. But if I want to use bits and pieces that worked well, I just might.
2. I do all my patterning longhand on graph paper with a pencil. Therefore, they are NOT on computer in easy to send files.
3. I am territorial. I made them, they are mine. I don't have a lot that I can claim artistically, but this I do. Think of it as a commission to myself. They are my templates. If I give them up to just everyone, I not only reduce my chances for possible commissions, I also give up my control on my patterns.
I am fully aware how harsh and unfriendly this sounds, and I almost wish I could apologize for my stinginess. But alas, I am not going to share my patterns anytime soon. Sorry.
Alrighty, then...
Current list of projects
Working on a list of blankets...